Is Kelvin Benjamin Now Out Of The Steelers Reach?

By Jeremy Hritz

Kelvin Benjamin was quiet through three quarters of football in Monday Night’s National Championship game. Yet when the game was on the line in the fourth quarter, he pulled in what would be the most important reception of the night to score the game-winning touchdown to give Florida State the win and the National Title.

On Tuesday morning, Sports Illustrated released the cover of their upcoming issue that features a leaping Benjamin, hands anticipating the ever-so critical pass from Jameis Winston, capturing an essential moment from a remarkably memorable game.

While the cover signifies national recognition for Benjamin, his performance in the final moments of the title game may signal an elevation in his draft stock.

In the tilt against Auburn, Benjamin finished the night with four catches for 54 yards and one touchdown, with a long of 24, averaging 13.5 yards per catch. And while his numbers were not as impressive as they were during the regular season, his performance in the clutch indisputably revealed another strength in his game that may have boosted his pick status should he declare for the 2014 NFL Draft. If that is the case, he may have played his way into a pick earlier than the one held by the Steelers at 15.

Currently, ESPN has Benjamin ranked 35th on their Draft Big Board, but he has not been included in Mel Kiper’s Top 25. CBS Sports has Benjamin ranked as the 34th best player available overall and the 5th best at his position, whereas Todd McShay has him ranked as the 25th best prospect in his Top 32.

The question now becomes, if Benjamin did improve his draft stock, just how far up did he move; consequently, is he now out of the Steelers range?

In early draft prognostications, Clemson’s Sammy Watkins, Texas A&M’s Mike Evans, and USC’s Marquise Lee have all been rated ahead of Benjamin, and in most predictions, all three of those receivers are projected to come off of the board before the 20th overall pick. If this forecast is true, even if Benjamin does climb, which is likely to happen, the Steelers will have a realistic opportunity at landing what could be a game changing receiver. But if the big men at the position are gone in Benjamin and Evans, would they select Watkins or Lee?

This past season, Benjamin caught 54 passes for 1011 yards and 15 touchdowns. Per catch, he averaged 18.7 yards, and he achieved his greatest production in games against Boston College and Florida, games that accounted for a combined 315 yards on 12 receptions and three touchdowns, including an average per catch of 26 yards. While he is reportedly still unpolished in his routes, he provides for an enormous target that could enhance the red zone passing game of any offense.

Can you think of a specific team that could benefit from such a player?

Benjamin more than likely has the attention of the Steelers scouts and front office, and should he enter the draft and be available when the Steelers select at pick 15, they could finally grant Ben Roethlisberger’s wish for a big wide receiver. Combine the size of a receiver like Benjamin with the burst and elusiveness of Antonio Brown, and it is easy to get excited about the potential of offense in 2014.

Follow Jeremy @Steelers_Hritz and check out his leadership, personal development, and creative writing website at www.createyourleadership.com

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Kelvin Benjamin would look great in a Steelers uniform. Has great size and catches the ball well with his hands.

Luke Shabro

One could only hope we can still get Benjamin. I want him for the Steelers really bad in the first round which means it definitely won’t happen.

atlanta412

Please don’t draft Benjamin. he is a big body and that’s it. Jordan Matthews is way better tougher and a natural leader. Plus Benjamin traps the football first and Matthews always catches with his hands. 6’3 215 fast and polished route runner. Benjamin is way overrated.

James Kling

Sorry, I don’t see KB as a 1.15 value. He may have the potential, but at 1.15 I want a more polished and accomplished guy. And the difference between KB and someone like Jordan Matthews and Allen Robinson? I think those guys should be available in R2, so the value isn’t there for me with KB. Even in R3 you’re going to find some decent value, in a deep WR class. No need to reach.

Alexander Sebastian Heath

I hope he is. Right now my WR rankings goes: 1). Sammy Watkins. 2). Marquise Lee. 3). Mike Evans. 4). Jordan Matthews. 5). Kelvin Benjamins and I haven’t included TEs where Ebron, Amaro, and ASJ all are ranked ahead of Benjamins. That’s for BOTH my ranking and whom can contribute immediately. People forgetBenjamins is a lot like Jeffrey, used his body to beat collegiate players andin NFL you don’t do that.

Plus his route-running is way off, he wouldn’t be able to contribute til third year where he’d be 26, eh. There are better bigger WRs than him, his status screams “borderline Limas Sweed/Ashton Jeffrey potentials and chance of being a bust”.

steeltown

It’s hard to speculate anything regarding the WR position and the Steelers, they need a big bodied guy but could solve that with a stud TE just as easy, I really don’t see them drafting WR in the 1st Rd, but I guess BPA is BPA

srdan

And as I keep pointing out. Every receiver we mention is 2-3 years younger than Benjamin. Please quit overlooking this!(not directed at you ATL) This wouldn’t be a big deal if he was a polished receiver, but he is not. By the time this guy gets his rookie year under his belt he will be 24. For comparison antonio brown is 25 now. Please don’t ignore this fact while fantasizing over benjamin.

Callentown

I do not think based on one play that this player is out of reach for the Steelers. That said, while size matters, if the team really wants to add a WR, Sammy Watkins made his case that he is CLEARLY the best WR in this year’s draft. But he will be gone before pick 10.

Size is great, but everyone is looking for the next Calvin or Jimmy. Watch teams overlook better WR’s for guys like Benjamin. This is a mistake.

JT

Amen! A fat Nix or a Tall KB doesn’t mean they’re gems in the first round.

JT

I would LOVE for a team to fall head over heels for Benjamin so Watkins tumbles right in our lap.

Chad H

Please please please don’t draft him. I see bust and problems written all over this dude.

Callentown

That would be amazing.

I think we need DEFENSE the most (thus the caps .. lol) but BPA is BPA and Watkins is in the top few.

joed32

He sure was using his hands on Monday night.

JT

As do I. But if Haha or Denard aren’t there, is Gilbert worth it? Idk. Unless it’s Mack, it’d be hard to justify OLB. Maybe Mosley at ILB?

When you assume 4 QBs, Clowney, and Jake Mathews, that already slims the top 10 down to 4. So that’s 8 picks we have to wait out for a play maker. Not too bad.

John Hinton

I know it’s very early in the process, but I’m leaning this direction as well. Right now he’s reminding me a lot of Limas Sweed. There were a few passes earlier in the game on Monday night that he flat out dropped. In my opinion Sammy Watkins is the best of the bunch. My concern with him is off the field stuff that happened at Clemson. Maybe he’s put that behind him now and “gets it”.

Callentown

True dat. I’m thinking Denard is the guy if he’s there. We really need some new high-end talent at CB with Ike falling off and no one really great to come in and take his place at this point.

Callentown

Or maybe Ra’Shede Hageman at DL.

Virdin Barzey

Agreed. No way we draft a WR in the first round. Another TE would be great but we need a DB and much more help on the defense.

James Kling

Gilbert’s close. I still want to go back and see more of his footage, but he’s got the size and productivity. I liked Xav Rhodes last year, don’t know if he’s as good.

JT

I’d be shocked. With Mac, Heyward, and Nick Williams. Then hopefully they retain Woods and Hood. Maybe throw Fang in there. Too many bodies available for a 1st, imo.

Callentown

Yeah but..

Cam’s spot is set. We don’t know for sure about McClendon, but let’s say he stays at NT.

The other end is a big question mark. Hood is serviceable at best.

Nick Williams, who knows, but a project at this point.

Al Woods was a nice surprise, but that doesn’t mean he’ll be starting. Another BEAST in the Dline would be helpful to say the least.

Fangupo only saw the field on goal line situations.

Kenneth Wilt

KB is a 2nd round talent…at best IMO. I like him and would be fine with him at that #2 pick, but if we took him at 15 I would be upset.

cencalsteeler

If they fall to 15, Denard should be the guy. If he’s gone, Sammy Watkins.

JT

I mostly agree. However I think Hood is more than likely back and starting. Too much time invested in him, he’s only gone if he’s stolen out from under us. He’s only really disappointing because of his draft position. He’s been more than serviceable, just not great.

They’ve committed to Mac as the NT of the future, and if anything are moving away from base defense. No early NT is happening.

David Edward

Benjamin has been a fast riser and could head into the combine as a top 20 prospect. There will be a lot of interest in the forty times that he and Evans run. Watkins is a true burner though with decent size and I think he’s the best of the bunch. A sub 4.4 from him and he’ll be a top 10 lock. This is a deep WR draft and there will be some good ones still around on day 2. That is why I’d love for them to get a CB with the first pick. CB is not deep, so if Dennard is there, he’d be hard to pass up.

Callentown

Yeah, I hear ya but Hood is mediocre at best. When he was in, before Cam moved to start, teams ran at him for a reason.

He’s a solid back-up, but having someone REAL at that other DE spot would make a big difference IMO.

David Edward

You are correct Callentown. Teams have targeted him and Woodley and ran all over those two when they are together at LE and LOLB. I’ve seen those two get shoved aside at the point of attack, which is disappointing given their size and strength. Smart move would be to designate Woodley a June 1 cut, and let Hood walk.

Callentown

Agreed. But you and I both know they will resign Hood and he’ll play until someone else can unseat him.

StarSpangledSteeler

You beat me to it. Name me one thing Benjamin can do that Ebron or Amaro cannot? These TE hybrids ARE receivers.

StarSpangledSteeler

I don’t get where all the Kelvin Benjamin hate is coming from?

This kid is a beast. He’s going to run a great 40. He can make plays even when the CB is right on his hip. Great hands. Great leaper. Best red zone WR in the draft. He’s going to be rated mid-1st round by draft day.

You’d think after 3 straight years of ranking #20 in the league in points scored, Steeler fans would be pleading for a guy like this?

StarSpangledSteeler

Please elaborate on the “bust and problems” analysis? Have you actually watched him play? Because I have. I believe he has “effective weapon” written all over him.

Wouldn’t be surprised if the Steelers take 2 DE/OLB prospects for depth.

ATL96STEELER

I really like Benjamin a lot…but as others have mentioned this is a pretty deep draft for WR.

Big board…I think QBs are going to go early, maybe 4 in the top 15 picks if Manziel has a good combine, no trouble. Then you have Barr, Clowney, and Matthews. Dennard, Evans and Watkins probably go top 10 as well…I’m not thinking Benjamin will go top 10.

Watkins is the most NFL ready WR…probably will make the more splash plays next season, but Evans and Benjamin have beast potential. Benjamin is the most raw of the 3 and I think the 3rd WR off the board.

JT

It’s not hate, but nothing besides his height makes him a high first round pick. He has off the field issues. He’s 22, but still very raw. He doesn’t run good routes. He drops passes he should catch. While he has nice hands, he still traps with his body. He’s far from polished. He’s a 2-3 round talent, and even then he needs work.

James Kling

I wasn’t particularly high on Jones, but I hope that since he’s here he will eventually become elite (not, e.g., another Ziggy Hood). At 1.15, I think we should be able to get a player who can be a starting CB, a starting WR/TE, or a starting S year 1. And be a playmaker who can make some game-changers each game.

ATL96STEELER

Excellent point…I certainly wouldn’t reach for KB, I think he’s the 3rd WR off the board and would be a great value in the 20s…but the potential is greater than either Matthews or Robinson…if he runs a good time @ the combine he’s going mid round.

JT

The don’t need Safety depth, they need a starting FS. That can’t wait until 5.

ATL96STEELER

I’m not going to say what KB is or is not yet because he is raw. Matthews is a better player right now, but he’s not fast (imo 4.4 or better now)…2 or 3 years from now I think KB has more upside.

Now…if I could get Gilbert, CB @ 15, and Matthews @ 47…done deal.

StarSpangledSteeler

1) Evans is a worse route runner than Benjamin.

2) Watkins and Lee have flaws themselves. They do not catch the ball well in traffic. They have a smaller catch radius. They are not good blockers.

3) Jordan Matthews dropped A LOT of balls this year and he’s not fast. That’s why he’s a 2nd rounder.

4) I agree I’d rather have a pass catching TE over Benjamin. But I’d still rank him as the #2 WR. Watkins will run a Mike Wallace-ish 40 and that will propel him to #1 by draft day.

5) If I drafted Benjamin I would not WANT him running a bunch of crazy cutting routes. We have Brown and Wheaton to do that. You put Benjamin on iso and let him beat CBs with his size.

6) I would compare Benjamin much more to Anquan Boldin than to Limas Sweed. He’s 6’5″ 235 (much more physical than Sweed and much better hands). Alshon Jeffery just had 89 catches for 1421 yards and 7 TD’s in only his 2nd season. That’s one helluva “bust”.

7) The age thing is absolutely an issue to consider. But the Steelers love 30+ year old players so he should be a great fit.

grw1960

I like Benjamin , But No more than I do; Beckham who could return kicks in his first season and be the Steelers 4th WR like Brown was until he progressed enough to start…….. Or Jordan Mathews 6′ 2″, not as big as Benjamin but liked what I saw him in his Bowl game. Also Devonte Adams……….. Point is the 2nd round is loaded with talented WRs………. Wish we had a 3d round pick though. After the 2nd round the DB class looks weak at this early stage of the draft process.

If I got 1 player from each pool…I would be smiling going into hopefully a compensatory 3rd pick.

ATL96STEELER

Looking like MW compensation pick will be a 3rd round…I’m sure after all 32 picks have been made but still within the top 100 if it pans out as reported.

ATL96STEELER

You’re right, but 2-3 round talent is a bit harsh…Stephen Hill (NYJ) BeBe Thomas (DEN) were not any further along and they went in the 1st round…he’s definitely 1st round talent, but you betting on the upside for certain, because he’s not a finished product as you said.

StarSpangledSteeler

I think the NFL scouts and GMs are going to disagree with you on this one. No way is he a 2-3 round talent.

It’s not just his height that makes him a 1st round talent. He’s 6’5″ 235 pounds. I don’t think you realize how big that is compared to CBs who are 5’10” 190.

Where do you get “body catcher”? He’s the best “hands” catcher in the draft. That’s his strength.

Jarvis Jones was 23 years old when we drafted him. So obviously the Steelers management doesn’t see age as a disqualifier.

He does have flaws, but when you start talking about 2-3 round talent, I just don’t think overall you’re viewing Benjamin accurately.

StarSpangledSteeler

You mean like Jarvis Jones? Who was 23 when we drafted him?

dgh57

I don’t see Hood back because he lost playing time in his contract year. A year when a player should be showing his best effort and certainly not be demoted. Hood is backup material and he has to be willing to accept that or he’ll try his luck in FA. When the team brought up Brian Arnfelt with 3 games left to play and then didn’t send him down once all DEs were healthy meant to me they were both trying to protect him from being plucked from our PS and that they were also high on his potential.

srdan

Compelling argument except that Jarvis was the most polished 3/4 OLB coming out of college in some time. Basically a free agent pickup. He started in a complicated defense.

Can you say the same for Benjamin?

StarSpangledSteeler

I’m seeing this draft about the same way you are. There is depth at WR. But there are not a lot of dominate DE’s or DT’s so that might push the WR’s up a bit. If there’s a run on QB’s we’ll be in great shape.

I think after the combine Benjamin will be rated above Evans. I think the thing people are missing here about KB is how well he would fit with Big Ben. Thus he has more value to US than maybe to some other team.

srdan

These are all arguments and there are no sure things in a NFL draft. That is why I have an issue when people take a strong stance on players and don’t see their faults. Ask the bungles how Peter Warrick did for them. Looked like an “effective weapon” on all accounts in college and should have been productive in the pros. I believe by chance him and benjamin have the same alma mater.

JT

Realistically? Yeah probably a bit harsh. But would we still rate Stephen Hill as a first rounder? I don’t think so. With the inflated value put into WRs, he may go in the first. But that doesn’t mean the Steelers have to overpay.

srdan

I would love to have a 3rd round pick thei syear with the depth at WR. But with the tomlin goof I don’t think the league will let us get a third. Just my opinion.

JT

He most likely will go in the first. But that doesn’t make him deserving. He hasn’t put in the work. The fact that he wouldn’t produce until he’s almost 25 is scary. Age at WR and OLB are two different things.

He could be great. Just like Sweed could have been and AB became. I just don’t see the Steelers taking a project WR in the firstt round. Because that’s what he is.

JT

And he’s not just old. He’s underdeveloped compared to guys younger than him.

srdan

I hope the steelers take a 1st round mismatch at either TE or WR. If they grade out benjamin as being that guy, I will be ok with it. I just don’t see it given his age and our need for defensive picks.

Comparing him to Jarvis is not a valid argument since he is one of the most polished rookies to come into teh NFL at 3/4 olb. You have admitted that benjamin is a project with upside. But who wants an old project? Time will tell.

grw1960

Ya I’am aware of that possibility. But the one at 79 that was traded. will be missed. .. Some good players will go off the board between 78 and 99.

srdan

Lol, love point 7.

I would worry about point 4 where we are drafting someone in the first round and not expecting him to be on teh field every play.

Totally separate question. Does Benjamin block well? That could be a compelling argument for him as well.

srdan

I’d be ecstatic with either.

Alexander Sebastian Heath

Yes, argumentative you are right, but issue was, Jarvis Jones wasn’t the best 3-4 OLB for us. He was more of a BPA (even I had Tyler EIFERT AND deAndre Hopkins both ranked ahead of him) so what I think was you can go two different paths; most pro-ready at position of such need… OR BPA alone (BPA includes potential and ranking of general managers).

Because we need an immediate contributor, I don’t see Benjamin being that guy, I didn’t see it in Jarvis Jones (again, WHAT 3-4 OLB couldn’t pass-rush?! Still baffled on that one) so I’m hoping the Steelers are asking themselves the same question and play the cards right.

JT

No way. With the way the Steelers got shafted in KC and the incident happening in the Miami game, they can’t go that way. And if they did, I think Rooney would defect from the NFL. My question is, if player safety is #1, what pick are the Packers losing?

srdan

They will be renaming the trophy. From Lambardi to Noll?

JT

It won’t be missed if Shark turns out to be the SS of the future. They’d likely be going safety around that time this year anyway.

JT

Jarvis didn’t fare much worse, if not better than most 3-4 olbs taken this year. Weak year one across the board.

Chad H

I won’t argue there is talent with the guy. I also believe with his lack of smarts and other issues to go along with his age he is not a Steeler or worthy of our 1st rd pick. My feelings on him are he lacks the smarts to be a whole player he come along slow and once he gets first rd money he will do stupid shit. With that being said I don’t want any team in the AFC North taking him.

ATL96STEELER

Price to pay turned out to be 79, if Thomas is a long term starter it will have been worth it I think…this draft could actually be very good still…

ATL96STEELER

I don’t think the league will touch comp picks in general as they won’t even let teams deal them…especially not a 3rd rounder.

Alexander Sebastian Heath

Haha nice catch on #7. Answers to remaining; #1- Evans have much more potential, he’s younger, has better longevity of production (even I’m not a fan of his but I’ll tell you this) with Manziel’s crazy improvisation throwing, Evans probably have much less of getting accustomed to the offense and Big Ben.

#2- that’s exactly what they said about Antonio Brown.

#3- J. Matthews didn’t have a good year you got that, but he’s much more polished, and don’t forget he had a horrible QB throwing to him. Those drops most were when he’s in traffic or terrible throwing on QB part, even scouting reports shows same. I have seen him against a team back in Sept, forgot what team but he stood out.

#4- even his size alone is very tempting, I doubt anybody would ranks him #2 WR. But and again, we are entitled to our own opinions.

#5- that’s actually fair.

#6- just because Jeffrey worked out for the Bears, doesn’t mean Benjamin will. Remember now, we already have a #1 WR and Todd Haley, we operate around TEs and Antonio Brown so I’m not sure how that will work out for Benjamin. Just my 2 cents.

ATL96STEELER

You would’ve or probably could’ve said the same about Bebe Thomas…until Manning got to DEN…point is Hill wasn’t polished, and also went to a team with Sanchez @ QB….with the 40 Hill ran at the combine…somebody would take him in the late 1st.

Alexander Sebastian Heath

That’s Eric Ebron from North Carolina, baby. Second coming of Vernon Davis.

JT

Idk man. Bebe won Tebow a playoff game. That’s Damn impressive, lol.

ATL96STEELER

Yea, without Clowney or Barr dropping, I think there are a handful of potential DEF starters @ 15…but I’m still wobbly on Nix because I’m not sure the NT will any more than a 2 down players at best.

@15 & 47, Colbert has to come away with 2 starters I think.

r4kolb

Why are we even talking receiver in first or second round? We need Defensive players who hopefully can contribute in their first season. It’s not like Sanders was a lights out receiver. Nor was Cotchery. Don’t get me wrong but to me both were serviceable but not by any means standouts. They can find a serviceable receiver when teams do their final cuts before the season. Plus I think Moye with another season will be better and who knows maybe Brown makes the grade. Plus the Steelers always find a way to find the diamond in the rough receiver in the later rounds anyway. I see no way they pick one in round 1 or 2 unless someone rated real high on their board drops. Too many needs on the D to worry about a receiver early on.

ATL96STEELER

LoL…Credit Tomlin and LeBeau with an assist for being so afraid of Tebow running that they played a single high S all game when Tebow was noted for struggling to read both S spots.

Thomas did burn Ike bad in that one…but prior to that…not much with Tebow…he was actually quoted in the media as being happy Manning was coming on board.

Alexander Sebastian Heath

Dennard may be this year #1 cornerback, but at best he’s top 25 talent. The cornerbacks corp are pretty terrible this year. Only Roby stands out as a good NFL ceiling, Dennard is just more pro-ready but he’ll give us a rookie McFadden kind of contribution.

To be honest as much I really love Eric Ebron, who I’m very high on, the best (my dream.. just my dream lol) scenario is getting Khalil Mack in 1st wit Austin Seferian-Jenkins falling to us in 2nd. Then fix the rest with depth picks.

ATL96STEELER

Coach Mitchell has pretty much confirmed your point on Hood…rotation guy and that’s it…but he comes to work every week, knows the system…if they cut Woodley or attempt to re-sign Worilds they will need some cheaper players.

ATL96STEELER

That would be monumental, but I think with NE, KC at the bottom of the draft salivating for a TE, ASJ is probably not going to make it to 47…I would still go Mack and maybe Jordan Matthews @ 47.

Garrett Hunt

I would love to see Sammy Watkins in a steelers uniform. He seems to just snatch the ball from the air similar to Dez Bryant. I am definitely biased though, as I go to clemson

Ryan Barton

What do you think that the Steelers traded up to get Shamarko Thomas for? He will get his chance to start at FS next season. And besides Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix, there really isn’t any starting caliber Safeties in the draft. I do not see the Steelers reaching on Ha-Ha either. But a mid to late round pick for some depth is certainly needed.

ATL96STEELER

No question the DEF needs the most help…realistically the DEF needs to replace 4 starters and still figure out the Woodley/Worilds situation.

But…the draft is more top heavy on OFC players this year…After Barr, Clowney, Mack, and Hageman it drops off a lot…Nix is top shelf, but probably only going to be a 2 down player at best in the NFL.

A bigger playmaker outside with Heath inside and A.Brown and Wheaton underneath really completes the puzzle on OFC making them more able to carry the team while the DEF rebuilds.

Moye…really? I was hoping that he would, but he had trouble even being active every week on a team needing a tall WR…

gene mann

I take Watkins first and still be ecstatic if Benjamin is still there .

Alexander Sebastian Heath

Actually i’d go with Joyner. We need a #1 weapon, not second-tier talents. I don’t mind TE Lynch from Syracuse, he’smore in mold of HeathMiller.

Callentown

Hope you’re right.

Callentown

ASH how do we fit Mack in at OLB?

Uh oh! Are you going to say move JJ inside?? lol

JT

Lol..all good points to my smart ass remark. But if we’re talking about making guys better, do we even need a top flight WR or can Ben make a later guy better? Like I would’ve liked Stedman Bailey last year.

JT

To play SS. He might get away with it in the interim, but that’s not the plan for him. I also don’t see why Ha-Ha is a reach either.

JT

He starts with Woodley for a year or two if he’s around. If not, Jarvis and Mack on the outside. Most likely.

Callentown

Where is Jarvis while Mack and Woodley are starting in your scenario?

Kevin Gobleck

Call me crazy, but i would rather have Allen Robinson from Penn State

Alexander Sebastian Heath

Shrugs, I actually love JJ as a player and potential, but he’s a terrible fit for our 3-4 scheme. Not implying that he should move inside, although it’d not be a bad idea since he’s a better blitzer when going inside than outside. Its the fact that, we probably have to let Worilds go and do you see us keeping Woodley? If so, probably until his contract end, which is soon. So yeah, as much i’d HATE for us to take other 3-4 OLB, it is a need.

ATL96STEELER

Love Heath, but unless he’s a plug and play guy, I don’t want the 4th TE off the board @ 47.

srdan

Point 5 is not fair. Why would you want someone in teh first round that you don’t expect on the field every play?

How many 6’5″ receivers play special teams?

Unless its a rookie that can play special teams its hard to justify a specialist in round one.

JT

You go with the 3 man rotation. Even if the other guys is Worlids, he has shown injury issues too. Not a bad idea to have 3 quality guys.

ATL96STEELER

Agreed…I was high on him and still like him as well, but I don’t think he’s an OLB in this scheme…I hate to say this now especially but he looks better suited for a 4-3 OLB, but I can see him moving inside here..

ATL96STEELER

@15 yes, you’re a little crazy…@47 love to have him…I think Benjamin has more upside, but might not be as productive early.

Callentown

Hmm, I think I see what you’re saying. But, the team is not going to cut Woodley AND let Worilds go. They’ll have one of them for sure. JJ on the other side.

I love Mack, but don’t see a fit unless someone moves inside.

Callentown

I dunno JT. We need an ILB, CB, CL, Safety – all just on defense.

Mack’s great, but . . . we made that decision last year with JJ. Now it’s just about who they keep at LOLB.

Too many needs!

Alan Felicia

You could’ve pick a better example like Limas Sweed or Troy Edwards.

AndyR34

If we have rookies staring on defense…we are not a very good team. We may be playoff contenders, but we would be SB pretenders, JMO.

Ryan Barton

Nobody comes in and starts immediately for the Steelers defense. So why waste a 1st round pick on a Safety that won’t start immediately? WR would be a better pick in the 1st round because they will have a chance to start immediately. Shark got some experience and grooming a mid round prospect for a year or 2 seems like a more realistic option for the Steelers.

JT

Like wasting one on Troy? Obviously not saying Ha-Ha is on that level, but starting year one obviously doesn’t matter. If he’s far and away the best FS in the draft, he is. Whether the Steelers busted system won’t let him play much is another story. If anything, that makes it more of a need since it’s gonna take him longer to progress.

JT

I know. It’s tough when you have this many holes. lol. Just saying you can’t rule it out. They need playmakers all over the field on defense. Sacks, turnovers, splash plays. Anyone that brings them.

srdan

Woodley lets himself go every year.

I understand what you are saying and agree with you that we can’t go to a OLB core where Jarvis is the senior man. But how do they bank on Woodley playing more than 10 games next year? I just don’t see it, there has been nothing for a while to tell us otherwise. Nothing.

And how do you make cap room for 93?

It’s going to be interesting.

srdan

I agree. We have Cam and Troy making plays all over the field. Worldis made some for a while. But then it’s a bunch of average players. We need to start upgrading somewhere. Timmons is good but doesn’t make splash plays.

I’m with you, we need splash plays at every position.

Ryan Barton

But I couldn’t see Ha-Ha coming in and starting immediately. I think Shark would still get the FS job just because he would have more experience with that very complicated defense. Whoever gets selected in round 1 needs to start immediately, and a WR can.

JT

But a WR in round 2 and 3 could just as well start. You get much more dimenishing returns with DBs, year one at least.

srdan

SBs are won by teams that get hot late in the year. The days of dominating the whole season wtih a veteran team, basically the same 22 guys on the field for 59 minutes has given ways to packages, mismatches and creating confusion. If a mismatch is a rookie (bruce irwin in seattle last year) that can get around a tackle, then so be it. Pierce contributed in the playoff run last year for the ravens.

Anyway, by the time a rookie is playing in the playoffs, are they really a rookie (other than QBs)? Its their 21st game in the NFL.

srdan

I personally think the steelers would have smoked all 4 afc teams that played last weekend. A lot of that has to do with the momentum we are carrying from teh regular season.

Next round is tough as Brady and Manning usually school us. lol

Kirby Hogenmiller

I like Sammy as well but he will probably be gone by the time we pick.

Ryan Barton

Do you think they would pass up on Evans, Benjamin, ect for a safety in round 1? Just too much talent to pass up on in round 1. And the Steelers do have a history of drafting best player available in round 1. I would prefer signing a veteran free agent to come in and compete with and groom Shark and a mid round pick.

JT

Right now we have no idea. But Evans and Watkins? No. Benjamin? Probably. We shall see.

Superdriller316

We should try and work out a deal with the dumb ass Browns. Trade back to their second 1st round pick. We get our 3rd round pick back and also pick up their 4th round pick. So, if I did the numbers right we will lose out by 100 points or so. So we have a late round 1st, our 2nd. Our old 3rd and a comp pick. Their 4th, our 4th and poss. a comp pick for Lewis. Our 5th and Lewis comp pick if we didn’t it in the 4th. Our 6th and comp pick for Mendy. Our 7th.

My sincere hope is that the FO takes a long look at what happened in letting Keenan Lewis leave last year and finds a way to sign 93.

In fact, if they don’t, it’s inexcusable IMO. Otherwise, the team becomes a 3-4 year training camp for players who will ultimately leave once they have ‘arrived’ as a player.

Oh, and Woodley can take a hike at this point. Nice find. Can’t stay on the field. Time to move on here.

Dutchess Hershberger

big slow and dumb, as is Evans, give me EBRON and ROBINSON in the 1st and 2nd and this offense is set for years, use the resto of the draft on defense and sign a few mid level defensive players and we can get back to bowl, and for the love of god get a kick returner, a punter, and a fg kicker who can kick a field goal longer than 45 yards, and doesn’t miss chip shots

Mike Carroll

Hill went in the second round.

MC

If the steelers don’t go CB or safety in the first, I would looooooooove a big bodied receiver. Get Ben a big target this year and next year draft a TE high. As for the rest of the picks. This year has to have a big focus on defense. For offense, a scat back would be nice plus some O lineman.

http://pittsburghsportsinat.blogspot.com/ bgsteelfan

Or Davonte Adams, who will likely bt there at 47.

http://pittsburghsportsinat.blogspot.com/ bgsteelfan

I don’t think there is any WR they should be looking at in the first, so I don’t consider him out of reach.

StarSpangledSteeler

I think you’re misreading what we’re saying. He’s saying Benjamin is not elite in his quick cutting route ability. I’m saying I would not have him run those types of routes. I would still have him on the field every down. I would just have him running simpler routes that match his strength. Straight go. Straight curl. Middle out. Middle slant. Deep slant. Fade.

Think back to when we drafted Plaxico Burress #8 overall. We had Hines Ward to run the quicker routes. We still had Plax on the field just running different routes.

Now we would have Benjamin to run the deeper iso routes (possibly to force safety help). And then either Brown and/or Wheaton free to run quick short stuff.

ATL96STEELER

LOL…I was corrected, Hill was a 2nd rd pick, but with SF, KC, and CAR at the bottom of this draft I think Benjamin still goes in the 1st…to your point, he’s gotta have some talent…Ben’s not really making Moye any better, he’s got the size you want in the RZ…not sure why he’s still a fringe piece…same with Paulsen

I know the OFC would show more production with an Ebron, fill in the blank, big bodied player…but long term if the DEF player was a hit I think we’re a step closer to being a SB contender again.

srdan

Good point. You guys are right.

Does this kid block? With that frame it woudl be a huge positive with the outside zone we want to run.

Alexander Sebastian Heath

Even I’m sure the Steelers FO realized JJ is a bad fit already. He’s a read and react OLB, a 3-4 OLB strictly for only Wade Phillips’ 3-4 scheme. I’m on same boat with you, brah even I would hate the pick but doesn’t make it unrealistic just because we had just drafted JJ. We did draft Cam Heyward after drafting Hood. Colbert may have a good track record but as of late, its not that great, not including the 08′ and 09′ drafts. Sad but true.

Callentown

I think the jury is out on Jarvis. I actually believe he will be a better fit next year with one year under his belt.

Look how long it took Harrison to be productive at OLB, or Worilds. Give him a chance and hopefully he’ll prove you wrong.

In the meantime, I still hoping they draft Defense, regardless of position.

Strong D = Playoffs and you don’t win in the playoffs without defense.

Dutchess Hershberger

love your two tight ends, but Benjamin is to slow, dumb and old, if Sammy walker falls grab him, if eric ebron falls grab him, I take ebron in the first, come back with davonte parker in the third, this kid will be a flat out beast, I too would take a flier on Lyerla late his talent is unreal

Alexander Sebastian Heath

I wish it were that simple. Coming out James Harrison came from a small school, already were a gym rat. Worilds is one of the most athletic pass-rusher and yet… both took times to develop? What does that say about JJwo have worse athleticism and no to very little pass-rushing skillsets?

Move him inside or he’s got no future here.

Jon Crissinger

The players are Kelvin Benjamin and Alshon Jeffery. And in case you haven’t noticed, Alshon Jeffery is a beast up in Chicago.

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